Many rebels to reconcile in east soon: official

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): A border police commander on Thursday claimed “a large number of Taliban militants” would soon renounce violence and reconcile with the government in eastern provinces.

Col. Mohammad Ayub Hussainkhel, the 201st zone border police commander in the east, was talking to Pajhwok Afghan News in their headquarters in the capital of Nangarhar province about seven surrendering militants in eastern Nuristan province.

Hussainkhel said the seven-member group, led by commander Abdul Hadi, had been active in the Kamdesh district and they surrendered to border police earlier this week.

“They surrendered to the seventh border police battalion with their guns. They had realised the facts (behind the conflict) and we will hand them over to officials spearheading the peace process.”

“Through the media, I assure the people of Afghanistan that our disgruntled brothers, who are fighting in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces against the system and the government, will give up the insurgency soon and join forces with border police.” However, Hussainkhel did not go into details in this regard.

The border police commander said security forces had seized a huge quantity of arms, ammunitions and explosives during separate operations in Nangarhar.

Abdul Hadi, commander of the reconciling group, told Pajhwok Afghan News they surrendered to the border police after realising their leaders worked for Pakistan’s interests. He said they hoped to lead a normal life in their own country.

The Taliban have said nothing in reaction to the border police’s claim and the reconciliation of the group.

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